Home Feed
Home
Search
Search
Add Review, Blurb, Quote
Add
Activity
Activity
Profile
Profile
Windswept and Interesting
Windswept and Interesting: My Autobiography | Billy Connolly
4 posts | 5 read | 3 to read
In his first full-length autobiography, comedy legend and national treasure Billy Connolly reveals the truth behind his windswept and interesting life. Born in a tenement flat in Glasgow in 1942, orphaned by the age of 4, and a survivor of appalling abuse at the hands of his own family, Billy's life is a remarkable story of success against all the odds. Billy found his escape first as an apprentice welder in the shipyards of the River Clyde. Later he became a folk musician - a 'rambling man' - with a genuine talent for playing the banjo. But it was his ability to spin stories, tell jokes and hold an audience in the palm of his hand that truly set him apart. As a young comedian Billy broke all the rules. He was fearless and outspoken - willing to call out hypocrisy wherever he saw it. But his stand-up was full of warmth, humility and silliness too. His startling, hairy 'glam-rock' stage appearance - wearing leotards, scissor suits and banana boots - only added to his appeal. It was an appearance on Michael Parkinson's chat show in 1975 - and one outrageous story in particular - that catapulted Billy from cult hero to national star. TV shows, documentaries, international fame and award-winning Hollywood movies followed. Billy's pitch-perfect stand-up comedy kept coming too - for over 50 years, in fact - until a double diagnosis of cancer and Parkinson's Disease brought his remarkable live performances to an end. Since then he has continued making TV shows, creating extraordinary drawings... and writing. Windswept and Interesting is Billy's story in his own words. It is joyfully funny - stuffed full of hard-earned wisdom as well as countless digressions on fishing, farting and the joys of dancing naked. It is an unforgettable, life-affirming story of a true comedy legend. 'I didn't know I was Windswept and Interesting until somebody told me. It was a friend who was startlingly exotic himself. He'd just come back from Kashmir and was all billowy shirt and Indian beads. I had long hair and a beard and was swishing around in electric blue flairs. He said: "Look at you - all windswept and interesting!" I just said: "Exactly!" After that, I simply had to maintain my reputation...'
Amazon Indiebound Barnes and Noble WorldCat Goodreads LibraryThing
Pick icon
100%
review
Centique
post image
Pickpick

Been away to a little town with hot springs and they were having a Winter Lights Festival!
Listened to the audiobook. I am a massive Billy Connolly fan and it was a joy listening to his voice. His wife Pamela wrote a biography of Billy which goes into more depth about his childhood abuse. This one stays out of the details - its more anecdotes and memories of a childhood in Scotland. Made me think as well as laugh out loud a number of times. ⬇️

Centique I think this is just one for the fans though. There‘s a lot of detail about places and friends and people he met that wouldnt be interesting if you didnt know a bit about him already. 5d
Centique This is the one by Pamela which I started on a bach holiday (it was on their shelves) but didnt finish. (edited) 5d
TieDyeDude I will have to find this on audio for sure! 5d
See All 6 Comments
andrew61 We saw him live in the 90s and I don't think I've laughed as much since. I keep meaning to read his life story. 5d
Centique @andrew61 me too! I think it might have been 1992 or 93. It was amazing, I felt like the whole audience knew him so well and was so connected to him, it was like we were all hanging out with our best friend! I wish i had gone to see him again 😍 5d
Centique @TieDyeDude yes its great as an audio experience 😍 5d
49 likes1 stack add6 comments
review
Rissreadswithcats
post image
Mehso-so

I listened to this, Billy reading Billy. He is a funny guy, no argument there but I would have liked a bit more depth.
Book club book.

review
MinnieTimperley
post image
Pickpick

Listened to the audio: obviously laugh out loud funny, but open, honest and philosophical.

49 likes1 stack add
review
TheNeverendingTBR
post image
Pickpick

Okay, basically i just read this in one sitting.

It's very rare for me to do that, i was just so engrossed in it.

It's written so well and chapters are the perfect length.

It's sad, it's interesting and most of all hilarious.

I now understand why this had been highly rated, it was an absolutely brilliant autobiography and possibly the best one I've actually read.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4412265433

Check out my full review⤴️

Cathythoughts I must check it out. I‘ve always loved his humour and his kindness 4y
65 likes1 stack add1 comment